The invention provides reagents and methods for
multivalent binding and quantitative capture of components in a sample. In one aspect, reagents and methods for diagnostic
assay for
antigen, ligand, binding agent, or
antibody are provided. Compositions of a non-natural or deliberately constructed
nucleic acid-like
polymeric scaffold are provided, to which multiple antibodies, peptides or other binding agents can be affixed by hybridization of a
oligonucleotide: binding agent complex such that the
nucleic acid: binding agent construction displays multivalent behavior when interacting with a multivalent
analyte. Methods for constructing and using the scaffolds are described. Such compositions may include
assembly of mixed specificity binding agents such that the composition displays
multivalent binding behavior against a target containing mixed analytes which can be bound by the construct to effect a binding affinity increase such as is observed in
avidity reagents against single analytes expressed multiply on the target
analyte. A manufacturing method for producing rapid diagnostic assays in a decentralized manner is also described. The method generates net economic advantages over conventional diagnostic manufacturing practices.